Research utilization and the CNS: confronting the issues.

Utilization of research in nursing is still inconsistent despite nearly two decades of published models and studies on the subject, and of leaders urging that the profession must increase its use of research. In fact, several questions regarding research utilization in nursing remain unanswered. A review of selected models of research utilization is presented, as well as a review of the published studies of utilization barriers and facilitators. Three key questions for the profession as a whole and for the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in particular are advanced, and concrete answers for the practicing CNS are offered.